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Besiktas prepare loan bid for Liverpool striker

The report claims that the Black Eagles have drawn up a five-man shortlist as they continue efforts to sign a replacement striker following Mario Gomez confirming he will not return to the club.

Gomez was the Istanbul giants top scorer last season and played a key role in the Eagles winning the league title.

The experienced striker clawed his way back into the Germany national team off the back of his form at Besiktas and starred in Euro 2016.

Besiktas want to sign a replacement striker that has Champions League experience as they have already booked a spot in the group stage of the elite European competition.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already made it clear that he does not have plans for Balotelli at the club next season.

“With a lot of players it is not the moment to talk of transfers as it could kill all talks by saying someone was 70 per cent to sign him or whatever,” Klopp explained, per the Mirror.

“But I can talk of Mario because that one is obvious and I have spoken to him about this.

“He’s not at the stage of his career where he should be battling with four or five other players for one or two positions.

“We want him to become the player he was before his injury and the talent is still there, there’s no doubt about it. When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff in training, he has been world class.

“But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position, so it’s clear we need a solution.”

Balotelli spent last season on loan at AC Milan. In 20 Serie A appearances, the Italian international scored one goal, though he had two more goals in three league cup appearances.